In every press conference, each album or movie release function and every interview, our celebrity Punjabi singers boast about their dedication to our mother tongue. But when they are asked to do some constructive work, they talk about the price that they will be charging for serving the mother land.

A Classic ‘Nanak Naam Chardi Kala’

I was shocked to hear that a singer, who was charging between 2 to 4 lacs for a single live musical show, is demanding 40 lacs of rupees as a lead actor for a Punjabi film. An NRI producer/director confirmed (on the condition of anonymity) in a conversation over phone with Just Panjabi that he is under process of producing a big budget film based on issues related to Punjab. He is ready to pay a handsome amount to a singer to play a lead role in his film. For that he contacted many singers-turned-actors for a casting call and he was shocked to know that one is demanding rupees 35 lacs and another is asking for 40 lacs. One of them has recently debuted as a lead actor and another has appeared as the second lead. “We can’t even dream of producing a Punjabi film in this condition. They are just famous singers. Neither they have been successful in their previous acting ventures nor have they established themselves as actors”, he added. He is now planning to introduce a new face as the male lead. “If the situation continues to be the same, it will become difficult to produce a Punjabi film and this will adversely affect the growth of Punjabi cinema”, he affirms.

Trade people may contradict us by saying that music and film industry production is a business. Every stake holder, performer and producer has the right to earn a profit. A single point I want to raise here is that Punjabi celebrities should stop proclaiming to the world they are doing a great service towards our mother tongue.

Moreover, few producers through their public relation, media and websites are trying to establish them as gods or superheroes of Punjabi Cinema and their fans are following them blindfolded. Punjabi people should know their interest and should watch Punjabi movies, but should be aware that they are supporting cinema so that it can survive to earn and entertain. They are not here to serve mother land or mother tongue.